Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

My ultimate loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta combines classic comfort food with a hearty twist that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Cheese melts perfectly into tender pasta shells, creating a rich and decadent experience.

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch that elevates every single bite.

Robust ground beef mingles with sharp cheddar in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Each forkful promises a delightful explosion of flavors reminiscent of your favorite burger.

Creamy and indulgent, this dish transforms a simple meal into a memorable feast.

Come hungry and prepare to be amazed by this irresistible pasta creation.

Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Is A Total Crowd-Pleaser

  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, restaurant-style dinner that feels indulgent and comforting.
  • Packed with Flavor Layers: Combines crispy bacon, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a multidimensional taste experience that keeps every bite interesting.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses the same pan for multiple ingredients, reducing dishes and saving precious energy after a long day.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Appeals to both kids and adults with familiar, beloved ingredients that create a universally enjoyable meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Everything You’ll Need For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base that adds rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
  • Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall taste.
For the Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, tangy coating for the pasta.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth and luxurious sauce.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, umami-rich taste to the beef.
For the Pasta and Liquid:
  • Pasta: The main carbohydrate that serves as the foundation of the dish.
  • Beef Broth: Adds additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
For the Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crisp finish and bright color to the dish.

How To Cook Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Fast

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Until Golden

Grab a large skillet and crisp bacon over medium heat until it turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crunchy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble it into pieces, and set aside for later.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Use the same skillet with those delicious bacon drippings to sauté diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they become fragrant and turn translucent, releasing their amazing aroma.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook at medium-high heat until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. The beef should look perfectly cooked and appetizing.

Step 4: Season The Mixture

Enhance the beef mixture with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Worcestershire sauce

Stir everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly across the meat.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Perfectly

In a separate pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Once done, drain and keep ready.

Step 6: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef. This creates a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Beef

Fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring every single noodle gets beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta, allowing it to melt completely and create a gooey, delicious layer.

Step 9: Incorporate Crispy Bacon

Mix the crumbled bacon throughout the dish, saving a few pieces for a stunning final garnish.

Step 10: Plate And Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with the remaining bacon bits and some freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Tips To Get It Meaty, Cheesy, And Just Right

  • Maximize Bacon Flavor: Crisp bacon in the skillet to extract maximum drippings, enhancing the overall depth of the dish's taste profile.
  • Prevent Meat Overcooking: Break ground beef into small crumbles and cook at medium-high heat to ensure even browning without drying out the meat.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta al dente to maintain a slight bite, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer beef broth and cream briefly to create a thick, clingy sauce that coats pasta evenly without being too runny.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over hot pasta immediately after removing from heat to achieve smooth, complete melting.

Tasty Twists On Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Edition: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy sauce and bacon flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to beef mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern spin.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Perfect Sides For Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Robust Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich beef and bacon flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with balanced tannins.
  • Craft Beer Harmony: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that offers crisp bitterness to contrast the dish's richness, enhancing the meaty and cheesy elements.
  • Fresh Side Salad Balance: Create a light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, creamy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Like A Pro

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta FAQs You’ll Want To Check

  • What ingredients give this dish its unique flavor?

The bacon drippings and Worcestershire sauce create a rich, savory base that elevates the entire dish, adding depth and complexity to the beef and pasta.

  • Is this recipe considered a comfort food?

Absolutely! The combination of creamy sauce, tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon makes this a quintessential comfort meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and pasta separately in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture and combine with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

  • How can I make this dish lighter?

Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cream, and reducing the cheese quantity. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty loaded bacon cheeseburger pasta combines classic American comfort flavors in one skillet. Creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned ground beef meld together for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, crumble, and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook at medium-high heat until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 6-8 minutes.
  4. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
  5. Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
  6. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring every noodle is generously coated with the sauce.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta, allowing it to melt thoroughly.
  9. Incorporate crumbled bacon throughout the dish, reserving some for garnish.
  10. Transfer to serving plates and top with remaining bacon bits and chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking bacon to prevent greasy results.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce overall dish fat content without sacrificing taste.
  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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